How much should a SAHM be making?

Salary.com reports on what a stay-at-home mom would earn in a year, based on the job titles that best describe her responsibilities. The figure came to $131,471, including overtime.

While it's impossible to put a dollar figure on the value of the stay-at-home parent, it's gratifying to know that it is being recognized. It's a difficult job, one that has little, if any, material rewards, that requires significant sacrifice in terms of career development. Basically, the SAHM puts her professional life on hold. While part-time work may be available, the choices are very limited. In addition, since raising children and maintaining a home is already a full-time job, a SAHM who works part-time is actually doing 2 jobs, one of which requires her to be on-call 24/7.

I applaud the people at Salary.com who conducted the survey. As they themselves report, staying at home is a labor of love. We do not seek material compensation for what we do. Instead, our reward comes in the form of unlimited hugs and laughter throughout the day, the love and attachment of our children, and knowing that we are there when our children need us most.